Crewe Alexandra Under 23's let a two goal lead slip to end up leaving Ipswich Town with no points from the first game of the 2017/18 PDL2 season.

Lewis Reilly & Owen Dale had put The Alex 2-0 up inside half an hour at The Tractor Boys' Playford Road training ground, but the hosts hit back the three goals of their own to run-out 3-2 victors.

Reilly gave The Alex the lead after 11 minutes, heading home Charlie Kirk's free-kick, before Dale raced onto a through-ball before finishing powerfully past the goalkeeper on the half-hour mark.

Ipswich reduced the deficit five minutes shy of half-time, Chris Smith converting a header from James Blanchy's cross.

Into the second period, & the hosts drew level on the hour mark through Ben Folami. The Australian produced a fine finish, drilling home from the edge of the box.

The turnaround was completed in the 72nd minute when Conor McKendry nutmegged the defender before firing into the far corner.

The Alex battled for a late equaliser, but were held off by the hosts for a full-time 3-2 reverse.

Crewe: Richards, Lundstram, Bakayogo, Finney, Sass-Davies, Trialist, Dale, Reilly, Udoh, Bowery, Kirk